[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 150 (Thursday, August 3, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47701-47704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19268]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-28-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. Models SA226 
and SA227 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 
series airplanes. The proposed AD would require you to replace the 
brake shuttle valves with parts of improved design; and would require 
you to install a shield over the hydraulic lines. The proposed AD is 
the result of the wheel brake system malfunction caused by a faulty 
parking brake shuttle valve. The actions specified by the proposed AD 
are intended to correct potential brake shuttle valve problems, which 
could cause the brake assembly to drag and overheat. Hydraulic or fuel 
line damage could then occur if the overheated brake assembly is 
retracted into the main wheel well, with a consequent fire if the 
hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this rule on or before September 22, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-28-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be 
inspected at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, holidays excepted.
    Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained 
from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 
78279-0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; facsimile: (210) 820-8609. This 
information also may be examined at the Rules Docket at the address 
above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

How do I comment on the proposed AD?

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit 
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to 
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments in triplicate 
to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. The FAA will 
consider all comments received on or before the closing date. We may 
amend the proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual 
information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely 
helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed AD action and 
determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention to?

    The FAA is re-examining the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule that 
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all comments 
we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of the 
proposed AD.

How can I be sure FAA receives my comment?

    If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you 
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write 
``Comments to Docket No. 2000-CE-28-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail 
the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What events have caused this AD?

    The FAA received a report of an accident involving a Fairchild 
Model SA226-TC airplane where the flight crew lost control of the 
airplane at low altitude during the final approach for landing. Prior 
to the accident, the flight crew reported a loss of hydraulic pressure 
and a fire on the left side of the airplane.
    Investigation of this accident indicates the following:
--the flight crew applied right rudder power during the takeoff roll to 
compensate for a dragging and overheated left wheel brake and then 
raised the landing gear into the left wheel well;
--the overheated wheel brake ignited the tires and the hydraulic fluid; 
and
--the hydraulic fluid burned the rubber fuel crossover hose and 
resulted in fuel leakage with a consequent fire.
    The accident investigation shows that the parking brake shuttle 
valve may have caused the left wheel brake to drag and overheat.

What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected?

    Original design parking brake shuttle valves, if not replaced with 
improved design valves, could cause the wheel brakes to drag and 
overheat. This could result in hydraulic or fuel line damage if the 
overheated brake assembly is retracted into the main wheel wells. A 
consequent fire could occur if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.

Relevant Service Information

Is there service information that applies to this subject?

    Fairchild has issued the following service bulletins:
--Service Bulletin No. 226-26-003, which applies to certain SA226 
series airplanes and incorporates the following pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Pages                                Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 15......  Issued: March 1, 2000.
3, 5, 7, 12, and 13.......................  Issued: March 1, 2000,
                                             Revised: June 27, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Service Bulletin No. 227-26-002, which applies to certain SA227 
series airplanes and incorporates the following pages:

[[Page 47702]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Pages                                Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 6, and 9............................  Issued: March 1, 2000.
3, 4, 5, 7, and 8.........................  Issued: March 1, 2000,
                                             Revised: June 27, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What are the provisions of this service bulletin?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for:
--replacing each brake shuttle valve with a part number (P/N) MS28767-4 
brake shuttle valve;
--replacing the rubber fuel hose with a metal device; and
--installing a shield over the hydraulic lines.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
Proposed AD

What has FAA decided?

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, we have 
determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes of 
the same type design;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to prevent the possibility of 
hydraulic or fuel line damage should an overheated brake assembly be 
retracted in the main wheel well.

What does the proposed AD require?

    This proposed AD would require you to accomplish the following in 
accordance with Fairchild Service Bulletin No. 226-26-003, Issued: 
March 1, 2000, Revised: June 27, 2000, or Fairchild Service Bulletin 
No. 227-26-002, Issued: March 1, 2000, Revised: June 27, 2000, as 
applicable:
--Replace each brake shuttle valve with a part number (P/N) MS28767-4 
brake shuttle valve; and
--Install a shield over the hydraulic lines.
    We will address replacement of the rubber fuel hose with a metal 
device in another AD action when parts to accomplish this replacement 
are available. This proposed AD would not apply to any airplane with an 
anti-skid/power brake system installed.

Cost Impact

How many airplanes does the proposed AD impact?

    We estimate that the proposed AD affects 250 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

What is the cost impact of the proposed AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed AD:

                                             SA226 Series Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Parts cost
  Labor cost for shuttle valve       Labor cost for        per                 Total cost per airplane
           replacement            shield installation    airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 workhours  x  $60 per hour =   15 workhours  x  60         $532  $2,400 + $900 + $532 = $3,832
 $2,400.                           per hour = $900.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                             SA227 Series Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Parts costs
  Labor cost for shuttle value       Labor cost for        per                 Total cost per airplane
           replacement            shield installation    airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 workhours  x  $60 per hour =   15 workhours  x  60         $532  $3,000 + $900 + $532 = $4,432
 $3,000.                           per hour = $900.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of the Proposed AD

What is the compliance time of the proposed AD?

    The compliance time of this proposed AD is at whichever of the 
following that occurs later:
--Within 500 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of 
this AD; or
--Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

Why is the compliance time of the proposed AD presented in both hours 
TIS and calendar time?

    The affected airplanes are used in both general aviation and 
commuter operations. Those commuter operators may accumulate 500 hours 
TIS on the airplane in less than 2 months and many owners have numerous 
affected airplanes in their fleets. We have determined that the dual 
compliance time:
--Gives all owners/operators of the affected airplanes adequate time to 
schedule and accomplish the actions in this proposed AD; and
--Assures that the unsafe condition referenced in this AD will be 
corrected within a reasonable time period without inadvertently 
grounding any of the affected airplanes.

Regulatory Impact

How does this AD impact various entities?

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

How does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 
will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a 
substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of 
it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location 
provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

[[Page 47703]]

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 
CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. FAA amends Section 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Fairchild Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. 2000-CE-28-AD
    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? The following 
airplane models and serial numbers that:
    (1) are certificated in any category; and
    (2) do not have an anti-skid/power brake system installed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Model                            Serial Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA226-T................................  T201 through T248
SA226-T(A).............................  T(A)249 through T(A)-291
SA226-T(B).............................  T(B) 276 and T(B) 292 through
                                          T(B) 417
SA226-AT...............................  AT001 through AT074
SA226-TC...............................  TC201 through TC419
SA227-TT...............................  TT421 through TT555
SA227-TT(300)..........................  TT447, TT465, TT471, TT483,
                                          TT512, TT518, TT521, TT527,
                                          TT529, and 536
SA227-AT...............................  AT421, AT423 through AT631, and
                                          AT695
SA227-AC (Shuttle Valve Replacement      AC406, AC415, AC416, and AC420
 Only; paragraph (d)(1) of this AD).      through AC534
SA227-AC (Hydraulic Line Shield          AC406, AC415, AC416, and AC420
 Installation Only; paragraph (d)(2) of   through AC788
 this AD).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with 
this AD. The AD does not apply to any airplane with an anti-skid/
power brake system installed.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to correct potential brake shuttle valve 
problems, which could cause the brake assembly to drag and overheat. 
Hydraulic or fuel line damage could then occur if the overheated 
brake assembly is retracted into the main wheel well, with a 
consequent fire if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Action             Compliance time             Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Accomplish the      All actions within     Perform all actions in
 following               500 hours time-in-     accordance with the
 modifications:          service (TIS) after    ACCOMPLISHMENT
(i) Replace each brake   the effective date     INSTRUCTIONS section of
 shuttle valve with a    of this AD or within   whichever of the
 part number (P/N)       6 months after the     following is applicable:
 MS28767-4 brake         effective date of     (A) Fairchild Aircraft
 shuttle valve (or FAA-  this AD, whichever     Service Bulletin No. 226-
 approved equivalent     occurs later.          26-003, which
 part number).                                  incorporates the
(ii) Install a shield                           following pages:
 over the hydraulic                            Pages--1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9,
 lines.                                         10, 11, 14, and 15.
                                                Date--Issued: March 1,
                                                2000.
                                               Pages--3, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
                                                Date--Issued: March 1,
                                                2000. Revised: June 27,
                                                2000.
                                               (B) Fairchild Aircraft
                                                Service Bulletin No. 227-
                                                26-002, which
                                                incorporates the
                                                following pages:
                                               Pages--1, 2, 6, and 9.
                                                Date--Issued: March 1,
                                                2000.
                                               Pages--3, 5, 7, 12, and
                                                13. Issued: March 1,
                                                2000. Revised: June 27,
                                                2000.
(2) Do not install any  As of the effective    Not applicable.
 brake shuttle valve     date of this AD
 that is not a P/N
 MS28767-4 brake
 shuttle valve (or FAA-
 approved equivalent
 part number).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The service information in this document also specifies
  replacement of the rubber fuel hose with a metal device. We will
  address this replacement in another AD action when parts are
  available.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager.

    Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, 
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For 
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the 
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, 
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; 
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact the Fort Worth Airplane 
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may obtain copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-
0490. You may examine these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106.



[[Page 47704]]


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 24, 2000.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-19268 Filed 8-3-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U